Death by Cop  2026

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Michael Jerome Austin

Age : 18

Gender : Male

Race : Unknown

Date : 01/05/2026

Location : 1800 block of 17th Street East

City : Palmetto

County : Manatee

State : Florida

Agency : Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Driver killed by police chase crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 01/05/2026, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued a stolen vehicle in Palmetto, Florida. During the chase, the vehicle crashed on 17th Street East. The driver, identified as 18 year old Michael Jerome Austin of Ruskin, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities reported the vehicle involved was stolen. The circumstances surrounding the chase and crash remain under investigation.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article289301035.html
https://www.fox13news.com/news/suspected-car-thief-killed-rollover-crash-mcso
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/01/teen-driver-dies-crash-after-fleeing-deputies-stolen-vehicle/